Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential for planning to increase active and sustainable travel to improve the well-being of communities; what steps his Department is taking to make roads safer for people on foot and bikes; and if he will make a statement.

I refer the hon. Member to the Government’s cycling delivery plan, published on 16 October, which can be found online at:

www.gov.uk/government/consultations/cycling-delivery-plan-informal-consultation

The National Planning Policy Framework asks planners to work to create safe and secure layouts which minimise conflicts between traffic and cyclists or pedestrians, and give priority to pedestrian and cycle movements. It also encourages parking provision for motorcycles.

My Department has this year published planning guidance which:

• Seeks to promote walking and cycling, whilst avoiding unfairly penalising drivers;
• Asks that councils’ Local Plans consider how to support walking and cycling facilities, and assess cycle safety;
• Promotes the provision of bike storage space in new developments; and
• Recommends removing street clutter, to make pavements clearer and more spacious for pedestrians.